Newport’s Own Light Up Countdown to Christmas

Official photo of the 2025 Christmas lights switch on in Newport

Newport’s Own Take the Stage at Countdown to Christmas

Newport city centre is about to get very festive, and we’re proud to announce who we’ll be putting on the main stage.

On Saturday 14 November, Countdown to Christmas returns from 2pm to 5.30pm, organised by Newport Now BID in partnership with Newport City Council and Newport City Radio. The main stage is at the junction of Charles Street and Commercial Street, and we’ve got three brilliant local acts ready to get the afternoon going.

Meet the acts

Ernie Emmanuel is an award-winning Welsh singer-songwriter from Chepstow whose original tracks include “To The Sea”, “Boulders” and “Better Place”. He has performed across the UK, including at Tramshed in Cardiff, and is also a highly regarded Elvis tribute artist. Ernie will be joined on stage by Craig Nyamunda on bass and backing vocals.

Emma Mac is a Newport-based vocalist with more than 10 years’ experience on the South Wales circuit. Her huge repertoire runs from throwback R&B and UK Garage classics to Clubland anthems and today’s chart hits. Expect singalongs.

Cally Rhodes creates melodic, relatable pop music that has been streamed more than 200 million times worldwide. Her songs have been played on BBC Radio 1 and 2, with continuous A-list playlist support from BBC Radio Wales, and her latest single “Dead To Me” featured in Love Island UK. Handpicked by BBC Introducing to support Olly Murs, she has also played main stages at In It Together Festival and Pride Cymru.

Your Newport City Radio team on the day

Music throughout the day and between the acts will come from DJ JD Deamz and Shane. Stephen and Luke from our Indie Show will host the stage. Emma Mac, Amber, Rosie, Angela and Lamsie from the Breakfast Shakeup will also be there, building up to the big switch-on.

Supporting local music

Local music is at the heart of what we do at Newport City Radio, and we’ve been championing Newport’s artists on air and in the community for 18 years. Countdown to Christmas lets us celebrate another great year of homegrown talent, alongside the BID and the council, who make this event happen every year.

The big finish

The headliners, three stars with more than 25 million worldwide record sales between them, will join the Mayor, Councillor Deb Harvey, to switch on the city centre Christmas lights. Then head to John Frost Square for a breathtaking laser light show.

There will also be fairground rides, costume characters, face painters, the cast of Cinderella from this year’s Riverfront Theatre panto, and a visit from Santa.

More details, including the celebrity guests, will be revealed over the next few weeks. Keep listening to Newport City Radio and following our socials so you don’t miss an announcement.

Keeping it local. Keeping it live.